The Washington Commanders look to reenter the NFC East race on Thursday night as they travel to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to face the surprising, division-leading New York Giants.
It’s a rematch from Week 5 that most Washington fans would like to forget. Holding a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Commanders appeared to have the game in the bag when cornerback Amik Robertson intercepted Jameis Winston. However, it was ruled a penalty, and the Giants got another chance. They scored on the next play. New York would score again, and the game went into overtime. Just as it appeared the Giants were about to kick the game-winning field goal, running back Cam Skattebo fumbled. Washington recovered.
Jayden Daniels had the Commanders headed
toward a potential game-winning field goal when, inexplicably, Washington called another play and instead of throwing it away, Daniels was tackled and time ran out.
Since then, the Commanders have had chances to win in the fourth quarter against the 49ers and Rams, but mistakes cost them. They beat the Eagles, but everyone else has beaten them this season.
So what can we expect in the rematch? We spoke to Giants Wire managing editor Dan Benton, who gave us the lowdown on all things Giants.
It looks like JJ McCarthy will start at quarterback. What should the Commanders expect?
DB: It will be different than what the Commanders saw in Week 5 against Jameis Winston. Even with McCarthy dinged up, his presence under center allows the Giants to use the entire playbook that was designed for Jaxson Dart. His mobility opens up the opportunity for RPOs and designed quarterback runs. If a play or protection break down, McCarthy is lso more agile and capable of escaping the pocket and making things happen with his legs or somewhere downfield. Beyond that, McCarthy boasts impressive arm strength and he’s far more likely to throw into tight coverage than Winston was, meaning more 50-50 balls to Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely.
How would you describe the Giants’ running game? A team strength? Does McCarthy help there?
DB: McCarthy certainly helps, but I wouldn’t call the Giants’ ground game a strength. That’s what head coach John Harbaugh wanted entering the season, but the interior offensive line has been a mess and their run blocking grades out near the bottom of the league. The return of Cam Skattebo should help because of his ability to gain yards after contact, break tackles, and fall forward, but as a whole, New York averages 3.9 yards per carry, which is in the bottom third of the league.
Who are the other Giants receivers to know besides Malik Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely? Anyone to be concerned about?
DB: Rookie Malachi Fields has been a pleasant surprise and getting better each week. He’s a very unique athlete, who provides an outlet when Nabers and Likely are covered and McCarthy is going through his progressions. He’s also a tall 50-50 guy who can win in the red zone/endzone, and he’s found a niche on third down. There’s also Darnell Mooney, who is overcoming early-season drop problems and factoring more and more into the offense. Also, keep an eye out for Jalin Hyatt on a deep ball or two.
What is the strength of the Giants defense? Weakness?
DB: The weakness remains their run defense even though it has improved in recent weeks. D.J. Reader is a stud, but Shelby Harris has been underwhelming and a liability at times. But that’s about it when it comes to weaknesses on defense. Their biggest strength is coverage, where cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome are playing like a pair of All-Pros, especially in man coverage. That allows Dennard Wilson to use the blitz to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which is effective even if the team isn’t recording sacks. Disrupts the timing and get the quarterback off his mark and good things happen.
What’s your prediction for Thursday?
DB: John Harbaugh has made it crystal clear how significant this game is for the Giants. There’s no way the players don’t recognize that, and they will be looking to wipe away their Week 5 blemish. However, the daunting task of stopping Jayden Daniels remains at the forefront, and how they handle him on the ground will likely determine the outcome. I’m picking the Giants this week, but I am not 100 percent confident in that prediction. This is really a 50-50 game, as are most NFC East contests. Giants 24, Commanders 20.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders Wire goes Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing the New York Giants
